Communication

As your group forms, establishing open communication is crucial to lay the foundation for trust and respect for one and other. Being able to clearly identify the "who and the what" prevents vagueness and ambivalence of responsibility. Your treatment team will likely consist of, but is not limited to, a psychologist, social worker, nurse, patient experience coordinator/patient advocate, and a physician (and one or more students); one of which will be the team leader. Generally (and certainly, historically), the physician has always been viewed as the team leader. As the psychologist/mental health clinician, we do not and (in most cases without jeopardizing the scope of competency) cannot question this. (When was the last time a psychologist prescribed an MAOI inhibitor?) However, you and your team have been called on for a consultation for a reason! (Please remember this). Perhaps it is an issue with treatment adherence, diagnostic clarification (mental health rule in or rule out), or something related to a cultural diversity issue, but remaining calm through conflict helps cohesion and the ultimate goal of patient care and treatment. (Take away: Remain communicative and calm!)